Our Research Areas

Research

We tackle fundamental and applied challenges at the intersection of optics, combustion, plasma physics, and computational science.

Research Overview

Our work spans four interconnected research directions, combining advanced experimental diagnostics with high-fidelity numerical simulation.

Multi-view laser-induced incandescence experiment and three-dimensional soot-flame reconstructions

Extreme Reaction Flow Diagnostics

Advanced optical and laser-based diagnostics for probing high-temperature, high-pressure reacting flows in aero-engines and hypersonic vehicles.

High-speed PLIF and volumetric emission tomographyEndoscopic tomography for transient flame 3D structureBackground-oriented schlieren for 3D refractive index fieldsIn situ measurements in extreme temperature/pressure conditions

Multidimensional light-field encoding and computational reconstruction using miniature spectrometer mechanisms

Computational Imaging & Miniature Spectrometers

Light-field imaging, linear/nonlinear tomography, and miniature computational spectrometers for high-dimensional optical sensing.

Miniaturized spectrometers with tunable van der Waals junctions (Science)Light-field and holographic imaging for reactive flow diagnosticsAI-driven multidimensional light-field reconstructionHigh-speed snapshot spectral cameras

Ultrafast laser spectroscopy setup with plasma emission, interferometry and Thomson-scattering diagnostics

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy & Plasma Energy Conversion

Femtosecond laser spectroscopy, plasma-assisted energy conversion, and ultrahigh-temperature materials synthesis.

Stable atmospheric-pressure plasma for extreme-temperature synthesis (Nature)Electrified vapour deposition at ultrahigh temperature (Nature Synthesis Cover)Femtosecond UV laser absorption spectroscopy for temperature and OHPlasma-assisted ammonia synthesis and combustion kinetics

TDLAS tomography measurements assimilated into a reacting-flow CFD model to reduce prediction uncertainty

Reacting Flow Simulation & Data Assimilation

High-fidelity CFD, machine learning-augmented combustion modeling, and data assimilation for turbulent reacting flows.

High-fidelity LES of spray combustion and flash boilingMachine learning-augmented combustion simulationData assimilation for turbulent reacting flowsLow-carbon ammonia/hydrogen combustion technologies

Detailed Research Areas

Our research integrates experiment, theory, and computation.

Extreme Reaction Flow Diagnostics

Our team develops and applies cutting-edge optical diagnostic techniques to probe extreme reaction flows. We employ planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), tomographic absorption spectroscopy, background-oriented schlieren (BOS), and holographic imaging to measure temperature, species concentration, and flow dynamics in harsh environments. These techniques are applied to study combustion phenomena in aero-engines, hypersonic propulsion systems, and next-generation power generation.

Key Focus Areas

Computational Imaging & Miniature Spectrometers

We pioneer computational imaging techniques that synergize optical hardware with advanced reconstruction algorithms. Our work includes light-field imaging for 3D flame reconstruction, nonlinear tomographic methods for enhanced spatial resolution, and miniature computational spectrometers that achieve laboratory-grade performance in compact form factors. These technologies enable new capabilities for high-speed, multi-dimensional optical sensing in both scientific and industrial applications.

Key Focus Areas

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy & Plasma Energy Conversion

We employ ultrafast laser techniques to probe nonequilibrium plasma chemistry, combustion kinetics, and energy conversion processes at fundamental timescales. Our research spans femtosecond cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy for sensitive combustion species detection, plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis and oxidation, and ultrahigh-temperature materials synthesis using stable atmospheric-pressure plasma. These efforts bridge fundamental photophysics with practical energy and propulsion applications.

Key Focus Areas

Reacting Flow Simulation & Data Assimilation

Our team develops efficient, high-accuracy numerical methods for simulating reacting flows. We combine large-eddy simulation (LES) with detailed chemical kinetics, augmented by machine learning models to reduce computational cost while maintaining fidelity. Data assimilation techniques integrate experimental measurements with numerical simulations for enhanced prediction. These tools are applied to low-carbon combustion technologies, spray combustion, flash boiling, and pollutant formation in gas turbines and internal combustion engines.